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So we can't keep the secret any longer. We are letting the cat out of the
bag. Within the next several days, Prima Coffee will be the proud new owner of
a two group Dalla Corte
Evolution espresso machine for demoing in the office and future Barista
Bashes and latte art competitions around town! And that's not all; it will be
paired with the excellent Mazzer
Mini grinder! If you want to stop by and pull a shot, give us a call! (We
won't charge admission, but coffee donations are greatly appreciated!) Stay
tuned for more info about the machine as we test it out.

We received our first shipment of Aerobie Aeropress brewers this
morning. I wasn't sure what to expect from a frisbee manufacturer, but the
reviews I've read were all very positive. As soon as we could, Lee and I both
headed off to the break room to brew up the first two cups. Lee used more water
with a medium grind. I used less water with a grind only a little coarser than
espresso.

The Bunn Trifecta is way more impressive in person than what I’ve read about or seen in pictures. The fact that this machine is hand-made and is primarily composed of metal attests to the craft and durability. This thing looks and feels sturdy. Many have said that the Trifecta is not a very attractive looking unit and I would have to disagree. The simple, gray, industrial look of this machine matches much of the aesthetics I’m seeing in more and more specialty coffee shops.

We've gotten confirmation from our distributor of Hario products that
they're bringing in, among other things, an electric version of the Buono V60
water kettle. As someone that loves the pouring qualities of the kettle, I
often find myself heating water in another electric kettle first, then
transferring that water to the Buono.

Anyone who knows Chris Heiniger knows that the man just doesn't smile all
that often. Or, if he does smile, it's fleeting and not easy to glimpse. Thus,
it becomes all the rarer to see not only a picture in which he is smiling, but
a picture in which he is posing and smiling. This Linea 3MP, which he will be
working very closely and lovingly with, was deemed by him a more than adequate
reason to pose and smile.

Last night, I had the privilege and honor of hanging around with the staff
at Quills Coffee as Kenny Smith helped them install their new La Marzocco Linea
3MP. To the best of my knowledge, it's the only paddle-group machine in the
city, and by all accounts, it's well worth the investment. It took us a little
while to get all the kinks worked out, and Chris Heiniger claimed to be nuzzled
by a family of possums, but the early closing time of 4 PM yesterday still
allowed us to get everything done by midnight or so.

Every trade has its tools, and that of manual coffee-making is no exception.
One of the most important tools — especially for pour-over brewing — is the
kettle. And, if you ask us, these are the best ones out there.

The days are growing shorter, there is a crispness in the air, and the
leaves are beginning to turn and fall. Fall is officially here, and that
can only mean one thing: it’s pumpkin spice latte season. And in true Prima fashion, we've gone out of our way to create the most delicious version of the spicy cool weather classic we could muster, just for you! Take a look inside to see our take on pumpkin spice.

Fresh from the vaults of innovation, the Forté has arrived. So what's the
chatter about? This review will get you close and cozy with Baratza's newest
grinder, where you'll find out if it's really hot stuff — or all hype.

Coffee on ice continues to be a growing trend in the US, and naturally factions have grown around the various favored brewing methods. We now have cold brew in abundance, canned coffee beverages, and copious ways to chill the hot stuff too.
So, what's the consensus?

Get better shot consistency and better extractions without the usual arm strain with Pullman’s Palm tamper. Combining the edge-to-edge reach of a Big Step base with precision adjustable depth and a comfortable palm grip, these tampers are designed to deliver a level tamp every time. Plus, adjusting the depth is quick and easy, with a range of 7.5-14mm and no tools required. Ready to see it in action? Watch along as Steve walks through each of its features, and puts it to use tamping a fresh bed of grounds.

Anfim’s SCODY II is an extremely barista-friendly grinder with excellent grind quality for the tastiest espresso. With big 75 mm flat steel burrs (Titanium coated burrs are an option as well), two programmable timed settings, and a manual pulsed grinding button, this grinder provides an easy way to get great quality in the cup, cup after cup. Hit play to get the full overview and see the SCODY II in action as Steve highlights each of its features and demonstrates its capability by grinding for espresso.

The Pullman Chisel distribution tool is a quick, sure way to take your shots to new levels. Designed to foster more uniform extractions, the Chisel creates a level, even coffee bed that’ll help your shots stay tasty and consistent. It’s also adjustable, with a depth range of 7-14mm. To see the Chisel in action, watch along as Steve demonstrates this excellent distribution tool.

Just when it was getting crowded in the manual brewing scene - when we knew we didn’t need another device to brew better coffee - one dripper stepped out and clearly distinguished itself from the rest. The December Dripper is an innovative, thoughtfully designed brewing tool that offers more versatility and flavor possibilities than any dripper before it.

With its quality craftsmanship and thoughtful design, the Pullman Big Step tamper is a tool you’ll be glad to use daily. Made to fit securely in VST-style ridgeless baskets, the Big Step works to fully and evenly compact your puck, giving you less edge channeling and better extractions. It also features a uniquely tapered base, which reduces suction while removing the tamper, making fractured pucks a rarity. Want to see it in action? Watch along as Steve explores the ins and outs of the Big Step tamper, and puts it to use tamping for espresso.